Officials are attempting to help a 70-foot beached whale off the coast of Venice Beach in Florida on Sunday.
The City of Venice said the whale is located on a sandbar about 50 yards out from Service Club Park. Units with the Venice Police and Sarasota County Sheriff’s are assisting Mote Marine Laboratory scientist with the whale, which was identified as a sperm whale.
Police have closed off the entrance to the park so scientists and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission could assess the whale’s condition.
The whale is still alive, officials said.
Whale slowly dying
According to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, a part of the USA TODAY Network, by late morning, hundreds of spectators lined the shore to see the whale.
Gretchen Lovewell, Mote Marine Strandings Investigation Program Manager told the Herald-Tribune that the agency received a call about the whale being spotted on a sandbar about 150 yards from the beach at around 8:30 a.m.
The whale then moved to the closer sandbar. Lovewell said the whale which needs to remain in deep waters to survive is slowly dying.
Scientists from several agencies including Mote, FWC, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, University of Florida, and Sarasota Dolphin Project, are monitoring the whale’s breathing, the Herald-Tribune reported.
Elaine Hadley is a dedicated journalist covering the ever-evolving landscape of U.S. news. With a keen interest in politics and a commitment to uncovering the truth, she provides insightful commentary and in-depth analysis on domestic issues. When not reporting, Elaine enjoys exploring the diverse cultures and landscapes of the United States.
